Cardinal Timothy Dolan arrives for a meeting at the Vatican, Monday March 11, 2013. Cardinals have gathered for their final day of talks before the conclave to elect the next pope amid debate over whether the Catholic Church needs a manager pope to clean up the Vatican's messy bureaucracy or a pastoral pope who can inspire the faithful and make Catholicism relevant again. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) less

Cardinal Timothy Dolan arrives for a meeting at the Vatican, Monday March 11, 2013. Cardinals have gathered for their final day of talks before the conclave to elect the next pope amid debate over whether the ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope�Benedict�XVI. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope�Benedict�XVI. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope�Benedict�XVI. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in Latin America. It suggests that if the cardinals who will elect the next pope are willing to look outside Europe, their first choice might be Central or South America, which brings 19 cardinals to the conclave. Bergoglio has been mentioned as papal possibility to succeed Pope�Benedict�XVI. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) less

The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio leads a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. About 40 percent of the world's Catholics live in ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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A fire still burns after a tugboat and barge hit a gas pipeline yesterday evening in Perot Bay in Lafourche Parish, La., Wednesday, March 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A fire still burns after a tugboat and barge hit a gas pipeline yesterday evening in Perot Bay in Lafourche Parish, La., Wednesday, March 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul drives toward the basket during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Saturday, March 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul drives toward the basket during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Saturday, March 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul gestures during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Saturday, March 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul gestures during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Saturday, March 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers owner Magic Johnson laughs as he pretends to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a season-opening baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Monday, April 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

Los Angeles Dodgers owner Magic Johnson laughs as he pretends to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a season-opening baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Monday, April 1, 2013. ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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U.S. singer Beyonce and her husband, rapper Jay-Z, tour Old Havana, Cuba, Thursday, April 4, 2013. R&B's power couple is in Havana on their fifth wedding anniversary. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

U.S. singer Beyonce and her husband, rapper Jay-Z, tour Old Havana, Cuba, Thursday, April 4, 2013. R&B's power couple is in Havana on their fifth wedding anniversary. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, left, hugs center Dwight Howard in the closing seconds of their NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday, April 5, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 86-84. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) less

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, left, hugs center Dwight Howard in the closing seconds of their NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday, April 5, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard looks on during practice for an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard looks on during practice for an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol, of Spain, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol, of Spain, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers' Metta World Peace looks on during practice for an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Lakers' Metta World Peace looks on during practice for an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers' Steve Blake makes his way down the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Lakers' Steve Blake makes his way down the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Photo: Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, right, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard defends during the second half of their NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 91-86. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) less

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, right, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard defends during the second half of their NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Los Angeles. The ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers' Mike D'Antoni, right, talks to Pau Gasol, of Spain, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

Los Angeles Lakers' Mike D'Antoni, right, talks to Pau Gasol, of Spain, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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NFL draft prospect Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M is interviewed during a youth football clinic in New York, Wednesday, April 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NFL draft prospect Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M is interviewed during a youth football clinic in New York, Wednesday, April 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Photo: Associated Press

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Ricky Barnes watches his ball after teeing off at the 18th hole during the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, April 25, 2013. Behind him is Matt Every. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) less

Ricky Barnes watches his ball after teeing off at the 18th hole during the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, April 25, 2013. Behind him is Matt ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Ricky Barnes lines up a putt on the 18th green during the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, April 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Ricky Barnes lines up a putt on the 18th green during the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, April 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photo: Associated Press

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Lucas Glover hits off the 10th fairway during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Lucas Glover hits off the 10th fairway during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photo: Associated Press

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Lucas Glover hits off the 10th fairway during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Lucas Glover hits off the 10th fairway during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photo: Associated Press

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Lucas Glover responds to the crowd after finishing the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Lucas Glover responds to the crowd after finishing the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photo: Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant dribbles the ball during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday, April 5, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 86-84. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) less

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant dribbles the ball during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday, April 5, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 86-84. (AP ... more

Photo: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

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Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley gets set to pass during NFL Pro Day at the University of Southern California, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley gets set to pass during NFL Pro Day at the University of Southern California, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Photo: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, second from right, looks on as guard Steve Blake, left, Pau Gasol, second from left, of Spain and guard Jodie Meeks look on after being injured during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, April 12, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 118-116. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) less

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, second from right, looks on as guard Steve Blake, left, Pau Gasol, second from left, of Spain and guard Jodie Meeks look on after being injured during the second half of ... more

Photo: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, right, of France, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers guard Darius Morris defends during the second half of their NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 91-86. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, right, of France, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers guard Darius Morris defends during the second half of their NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Los ... more

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, of France, drives down court during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 91-86. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) less

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, of France, drives down court during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 91-86. ... more

Photo: Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press

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Madi Edson, 17, smiles before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers in Anaheim, Calif., Monday, April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Madi Edson, 17, smiles before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers in Anaheim, Calif., Monday, April 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

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Michael Brockers is seen interacting with fans after being selected by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the NFL football draft at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, April 26, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) less

Michael Brockers is seen interacting with fans after being selected by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the NFL football draft at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, April 26, 2012, in New York. (AP ... more

Photo: Gregory Payan, Associated Press

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Dallas has high hopes for RB

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IRVING — Bolstered by his team's draft haul, coaching changes and switch to the 4-3 defense, Jerry Jones believes the Dallas Cowboys' days of mediocrity could be over.

“I'm very optimistic we are better than 8-8, very,” Jones said, referring to the team's record the last two seasons. “... We have made some significant ... offensive changes.”

One came Saturday when Dallas used its fifth-round pick to select Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle, who is expected to fortify a running game that was the worst in club history last season.

On the last day of the draft, the Cowboys also picked William & Mary cornerback B.W. Webb in the fourth round and South Carolina linebacker DeVonte Holloman in the sixth.

Randle said in a conference call he was thrilled Dallas picked him, but he expected to go higher.

“I will use it as fuel to my fire,” the 6-foot, 200-pound underclassman said. “I will ... remember this day, all the teams that passed me up.”

More Information

Dallas selected four offensive players and three on defense.

Rd. 1 (31): Travis

Frederick, C, Wisconsin

Rd. 2 (47): Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

Rd. 3 (74): Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

Rd. 3 (80): J.J. Wilcox, FS, Georgia Southern

Rd. 4 (114): B.W. Webb, CB, William & Mary

Rd. 5 (151): Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

Rd. 6 (185): DeVonte Holloman, OLB, South Carolina

The Cowboys selected only one true walk-in starter: Frederick. Escobar, Williams and Randle provide depth and give the offense flexibility. For a team typically thin by December, improving depth is big. Wilcox, Webb and Holloman are projects.

Although owner Jerry Jones got bashed for drafting down and reaching for Frederick, the trade with San Francisco led to the selection of Williams with the extra third-round pick. Still, there was no help for the aging defensive line, and it remains questionable whether they've finally pushed themselves over a .500 record.

Jones said picking Randle in the fifth was a great value for Dallas and gives it a valuable insurance policy for the oft-injured DeMarco Murray, who has missed nine games since entering the league out of Oklahoma two years ago.

“We've had games we didn't have Murray, and we didn't run the ball as well,” Jones said. “We didn't have as good an offense without him.

“So if we have somebody that could possibly step up there and give you the respite you need when you don't have Murray, that's a big deal for us.”

Randle said he welcomes sharing the load with Murray. It's all but certain free-agent backup Felix Jones won't return in 2013.

“The NFL is a two-back system now,” Randle said. “Guys need other guys to come in, and you don't want to drop the tempo off much.”

Randle led the Big 12 in rushing last season with 1,417 yards on 274 carries and 14 TDs. He also caught 28 passes for 224 yards.

Also a strong blocker, Randle said versatility is his best asset. In that sense, he's a Murray clone.

“One of the reasons we wanted him was because he really mirrors Murray, relative to a complete three-down back,” Jones said.